Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has opened up about ‘going quietly’ in her exit from the ITV dating show.
Irish TV presenter Laura, 37, announced in August after the recent series ended that she would be stepping down after taking over as host from the late Caroline Flack.
It was later revealed that Maya Jama would take her place, starting with Winter Love Island in January.
Now Laura, who presented three series of the hit show, has explained the reasons for her departure.
‘There was only so much I can do as a host – I couldn’t support them or not support them. I couldn’t say anything,’ she began.
She continued to Psychologies magazine: ‘So you kind of have to go quiet, and that was hard for me because I like to be able to have those conversations.
‘If I could [have done] things the way I wanted to, I’d probably still be doing it.’
When sharing news of her exit back in summer, Laura – whose husband Iain Stirling does the show’s voice overs – wrote a statement on Instagram.
‘Some news! I won’t be hosting the next series of Love Island,’ she began.
‘There are certain elements of the show I’ve found very difficult that cannot be changed – some due to the format, including the flying back and forth to South Africa along with my new conflicting projects.
‘I wish it was still possible but know you’ll be in safe hands.’
Laura added that she was only planning on ‘filling in’ for original host Flack – who died in 2020 – for one series, but ended up staying longer.
‘I hope I did you proud Caroline,’ Laura signed off.
Laura’s comments on the reason behind her exit come after the first look at new presenter Maya in the role.
ITV dropped a brand new trailer ahead of the show’s return to South Africa next month, unveiling the first glimpse at 28-year-old Maya, ready to help a bunch of singletons find love.
The preview may be just five seconds long, but Maya is glowing, hair curled to perfection and donning a celestial print jumpsuit.
When she was confirmed as the new host in October – after months of speculation – Maya said she had always been ‘such a massive fan’ of Love Island.
‘I’m so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows!’ she enthused at the time.
‘I can’t wait to get into the villa to meet all of the islanders.’
Love Island returns in January to ITV2.
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